Myrtaceae, commonly known as the myrtle family, is a family of flowering plants in the order Myrtales comprising approximately 130 genera and roughly 5,950 species. All members are woody plants containing essential oils, typically with evergreen, opposite to alternate leaves, flower parts in multiples of four or five, and usually conspicuous, brightly colored, and numerous stamens. The family includes myrtle, clove, guava, allspice, and eucalyptus.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific Name Member Species/Taxa Count Geographic DistributionWidely distributed across tropical and warm-temperate regions of the world, and common in many of the world's biodiversity hotspots. 1 Defining CharacteristicsA family of dicotyledonous, woody plants in the order Myrtales; all species contain essential oils and have flower parts in multiples of four or five. 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceEvergreen leaves that are alternate to mostly opposite, simple, and usually entire, with five petals (sometimes minute or absent) and stamens that are usually very conspicuous, brightly colored, and numerous. 1 Sources
1. Myrtaceae (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationWikipedia lead paragraph, sentence 1 (taxonomic rank)
Myrtaceae (), the myrtle family, is a family of dicotyledonous plants placed within the order Myrtales.
Wikipedia lead paragraph, sentence 1 (family name)
Myrtaceae (), the myrtle family, is a family of dicotyledonous plants placed within the order Myrtales.
Wikipedia, Diversity section, sentence 1
A 2016 paper estimates that Myrtaceae includes about 5,950 species in about 132 genera.
Wikipedia, Diversity section, sentence 2
The family has a wide distribution in tropical and warm-temperate regions of the world, and is common in many of the world's biodiversity hotspots.
Wikipedia lead paragraph, sentence 3
All species are woody, contain essential oils, and have flower parts in multiples of four or five.
Wikipedia lead paragraph, sentence 6
The stamens are usually very conspicuous, brightly coloured, and numerous.
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